MLB Network has been performing a fun exercise, involving the votes of fans to determine the best players in the league right now sorted by position.
The second base results brought in some controversy with them, for a variety of reasons.
Here are the results, as published by MLB Network, of the fan voting for the second base position.
Here's how the fan vote turned out at second base!@MLBNow unveils the #Top10RightNow at 8pm on MLB Network 👀 pic.twitter.com/75yTusAXe8
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 17, 2024
Since Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has said Mookie Betts will be his second baseman in 2024, he rightfully earns the top spot.
It’s hard to argue with a perennial MVP candidate.
After that, fans protested… a lot, especially Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians fans.
The list doesn’t include the Cubs’ Nico Hoerner and Guardians’ Andres Gimenez.
Hoerner posted a 4.7 fWAR (Wins Above Replacement, FanGraphs’ version) with 43 stolen bases, 98 runs scored, and a .283 batting average.
Gimenez, on the other hand, posted 3.6 fWAR with 15 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and a .251 batting average.
Both of them won the Gold Glove at second base in their respective leagues, but Gimenez took home the vaunted Platinum Glove.
Both players have a strong case to be present on the list, over players like Bryson Stott, Luis Arraez (Hoerner and Gimenez’s defense is much, much better), and perhaps Matt McLain at this point of their careers.
This is not to say Stott or Arraez are bad players.
To the contrary, they are excellent.
But if defense is weighed in the equation, there is no way Gimenez misses out on this list.
He is just too good with a glove on his hand to be ignored, and has power, speed, and contact.
NEXT: Jose Ramirez Sends A Message To The Fans
